instigate
English
Etymology
From the Latin īnstīgātus, past participle of īnstīgāre (“to instigate”), from prefix in- (“in”) + *stigare, akin to stinguere (“push, goad”). Compare German stechen (“to prick”), English stick.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/
Audio (US) (file)
Verb
instigate (third-person singular simple present instigates, present participle instigating, simple past and past participle instigated)
- (transitive) to incite; to bring about by urging or encouraging
- to instigate a riot
- 2017, Desa Markovic, Working with Sexual Issues in Psychotherapy
- If the man perceives that his partner has arousal or orgasmic difficulties, this is likely to influence his desire to instigate sexual activity and/or his enjoyment and pleasure in being sexual with his partner.
- (transitive) to goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions; to provoke
- to instigate someone to a crime
- 1678, Robert Barclay, An Apology for the True Christian Divinity
- he might instigate them to swear against the law of God
- 1738–1741, William Warburton, The Divine Legation of Moses […], volume (please specify |volume=I, II.1, or II.2), London: […] Fletcher Gyles, […], OCLC 1003933465:
- He hath only instigated his blackest agents to the very extent of their malignity.
- Synonyms: animate, encourage, impel, incite, provoke, spur, stimulate, tempt, urge
- Antonyms: halt, prevent, stop
Derived terms
- instigatable
- instigation
- instigator
Translations
to goad or urge forward; to set on; to provoke; to incite
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Further reading
- instigate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- instigate in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911
Esperanto
Adverb
instigate
- present adverbial passive participle of instigi
Latin
Verb
īnstīgāte
- second-person plural present active imperative of īnstīgō